I choose a snare drum depending on its sound qualities. That's my top priority. Next are design and manufacturing qualities.

When I was shopping for my first high-end snare drum 3 years ago overseas, I could have gotten a signature model or a pretty non-signature drum. There were a bunch of signature models available then - Pearl Dennis Chambers model, Tama Simon Phillips model, etc. But I chose a 5.5x14" Tama Starclassic Maple snare drum because of its versatile sound and overall quality. I can use this drum in most musical settings, and it never let me down. And it doesn't cost as much as signature models. Not a bad start.

Now that I have a versatile snare drum, my future snare drums would be something that would sound different or would work in a specific musical situation. Right now I wish to have a small 10" snare drum, an all-around metal snare drum, and a piccolo. Sana makaipon tayo.

If I have the money and I want the ultimate snare drum, I would buy a Brady snare drum. It's my dream snare drum. For me, it's both a signature and a non-signature snare drum. They don't have any snare drum which bears the name of a drummer, but each snare drum that they produce is a work of art, handcrafted by artisans. Chris Brady himself supervises the development of these quality instruments. Their drums are so well-crafted and the wood used is topnotch. If you're curious about Brady drums, check out http://www.bradydrums.com.au/ .

When I already have enough snare drums and I want to expand my collection, I could augment my snare drum arsenal with some signature models and some rare models, for collectibility and valuable reasons.

I choose a snare drum depending on its sound qualities. That's my top priority. Next are design and manufacturing qualities.

When I was shopping for my first high-end snare drum 3 years ago overseas, I could have gotten a signature model or a pretty non-signature drum. There were a bunch of signature models available then - Pearl Dennis Chambers model, Tama Simon Phillips model, etc. But I chose a 5.5x14" Tama Starclassic Maple snare drum because of its versatile sound and overall quality. I can use this drum in most musical settings, and it never let me down. And it doesn't cost as much as signature models. Not a bad start.

Now that I have a versatile snare drum, my future snare drums would be something that would sound different or would work in a specific musical situation. Right now I wish to have a small 10" snare drum, an all-around metal snare drum, and a piccolo. Sana makaipon tayo.

If I have the money and I want the ultimate snare drum, I would buy a Brady snare drum. It's my dream snare drum. For me, it's both a signature and a non-signature snare drum. They don't have any snare drum which bears the name of a drummer, but each snare drum that they produce is a work of art, handcrafted by artisans. Chris Brady himself supervises the development of these quality instruments. Their drums are so well-crafted and the wood used is topnotch. If you're curious about Brady drums, check out http://www.bradydrums.com.au/ .

When I already have enough snare drums and I want to expand my collection, I could augment my snare drum arsenal with some signature models and some rare models, for collectibility and valuable reasons.